Thanks guys I really appreciate the knowledge in here. I would be willing to install a new cam if needed. I suppose I should measure this one and post the results to give more accurate information. Another strange thing I've ran into on this journey was learning that the cam gear had blue paint on it, but the pinion shaft had a red dot.....Not sure if he must have changed the pinion gear with it or if he went with it lol...Also I know there is a difference in 1977 models being "Early or Late"...I was able to figure out that Ruthie was built on June 12 1077 as a 1200 FLH and was the 97th unit off the line that day. Still don't really tell me if its late or early though lol. If I decided to go with another Cam, what all would I need to change or verify ?

 

If going with another cam you just need to ensure it is a bolt-in, that the heads are not 1981 (they can't take the .490 lift without mods to the valve guides) and if possible, use the gear off your current cam as you know it is the right size.
Blue dot, red dot....this motor has been running for years with no issues, some aftermarket may use different coloured dots for the clearances....don't sweat it if using your old cam gear. Give your lifters a thorough check for wear, lifter blocks too.

I would probably slap a new Torrington inner cam bearing in there if you don't know how many miles it has done/

 

Are you up to speed on some of this - special tooling is needed and instrument checking if not stop

 

Again thank you to everyone for helping out with this, it is truly appreciated. I've had some experience around mechanical things my entire life, but when it comes to a bike that is 4 years older than me and belonged to my dad, it was a little intimidating to say the least lol....But as far as I can tell, the heads were stamped 04-76, and the rocker boxes 05-76. Making them manufactured in 76 I assume. I really have poured myself into this project, and trying to do a reputable job.
I know enough to know when I don't know though, so I got a service manual and parts catalog and dove in. When I discovered the pistons and stroke didn't add up, I consulted a machine shop, After all was said and done he did the bore and hone, put new valve guides in and new seats, and told me those would work with the new oversized pistons. But I did not take him the cam which is what brought me here to begin with. I currently have the bike on a lift, down to the frame and ready to go to powder coat. I just took the lifters and blocks out and followed the inspection procedure and cleaned them in a jar of kero inside an ultrasonic cleaner at 55c for 30 mins. Everything felt solid and smooth so I will reuse them. From what I can tell ( and there's no way to be sure) but I think the top end was done not very long before he got to sick to ride.
Again I don't want to make this very long, And for you I'm trying to use paragraphs !! Its just a project that means a lot and I hope everyone enjoys the pics I post on the other thread. Thank you all again for your help.

Ready for powder

 

I'd like to think I'm getting there, but as I said in my reply to another member, I know enough to know when I don't know. I've worked on cars and bikes over the years but definitely nothing this in depth on such an sentimental piece. Which Is why I'm taking my time, asking as many questions as possible and considering the best possible approach/outcomes. This build isn't supposed to be a perfect restoration, but intended to put her back on the road in a way that would make the old man proud. I think with the manuals, Youtube, and you fine ppl we can get there eventually. I have some special tools, but when it comes to precision, I will hand it over to the specialists. But I want to do as much as I can myself, cause thats how he would have wanted it and done it himself

 

Don’t be in a hurry is the right move your young enough to spend the time in the idea - do it one time but do it right

the guys wont abandon you in this and many are wiling to help - no one and i mean this no one will steer you wrong on this site way too many good guys who live this sport and will not if fact check what’s going on

so from what i read the heads are already done and you do not have any info on the travel or spring pressures or coil bind so

you have to pick a .450 lift that should fit a stock set up -

 

Yes I've had the heads and cylinders bored after discussing all the details with the machinist that I found. I've followed the service manual as far as applied. But like I've said, I've found several surprises along the way. My Old man was a very creative guy and made things work, as most old Harley guys did. That's why I've come to all of you for help. I'd give anything to have a few minutes to ask him, but since I don't, I thought this would be the best alternative. I'm willing to take as much time and money as it takes, as I feel this is my duty to get her healthy again. So Amy and all information is really appreciated. I know I'm not stupid, but I also know I'm no expert at any of this. There's so many variables to consider that I can't do this alone. The Harley community is the only way to do this right!

 

You wont be the Last guy to tear a perfectly good Shovelhead down to Parade rest, just because the Internet said to..
Good Luck... I would be Riding It!!!

 

Yeah she wasnt exactly healthy. Like I said i've outlined more of this story on the "Ruthie Rebuild" thread, but basically she had sat for 8 years before I could get her home. When I found her, the clutches were glazed and stuck together, both master cylinders were gummed up and had to be rebuilt, carb was clogged up, rear caliper was missing the support and one of the pins was ground almost all the way through from the rotor. Rear exaust was tied up near the flange with a piece of steel cable near the flange, Rockers were leaking around the gaskets and shaft caps, Oil was pooling on top of trans. All oil lines were cracked and falling apart. But that first year I took care of the main things and just got her running enough to put 1000 miles on her. Then in March of this year I took her out for a stretch and to put some fresh fuel in the tanks and My headlight was flickering. So I tore into the Headlight housing and found a mess of wires. Some loose from terminal board, others just cut with bare ends hanging.....The plan had always been to go through it eventually from top to bottom, and that was the moment I decided it was time. Not worth risking further damage without getting an intimate knowledge of this machine. So that brings us to today....But I promise you, she will be ready to ride for many years to come when this is done.

So much 70s Grunge!!

Stripped Exhaust Manifold

Carbon on original piston

Inside view of petcock

 

^^ Sounds as if this one was necessary...Much as I hate it...I have done More than a Couple. still a couple left to do...Gonna be awhile, like said...I hate it!!!